Mobility service for Hammersmith Bridge?

At last? Story 139

Welcome to Bridged2050: creating an even better Barnes during this climate crisis

Potentially more good news about getting around Barnes ..

Barnes Community Association says Richmond Council is now exploring a mobility-scooter service for Hammersmith Bridge. This is the concrete sign in years that the needs of residents who cannot easily walk or cycle across the structure are being taken seriously.

The BCA hopes any trial would link North Barnes with either Charing Cross Hospital or Hammersmith Station, restoring access to destinations that have felt far further away since the Bridge closed to cars in 2019.

For older people and those with disabilities, a reliable point-to-point service would be more than a convenience; it would be a lifeline.

Earlier attempts fell short. As the Barnes Bugle reported, the BCA’s post-closure tuk-tuk scheme helped only partially,

.. as those who used it found themselves deposited at the other end of Hammersmith Bridge and still having to make their way to the station or the hospital.

Others had more ambitions plans. Possible, the climate-focused charity, previously set out a proposal for lightweight automated shuttles only for the idea to be rejected by Hammersmith & Fulham Council, which owns the bridge.

Notes & thoughts

Bridged has argued consistently that Richmond cannot treat the bridge as fully operational while a significant share of residents are effectively excluded from using it.

A modest mobility service will not solve everything, but it would close one of the most glaring gaps: the lack of a dependable cross-river connection for those who need it most.